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Electricity & gas · Germany
Checked 2026-09-27

📈 My energy supplier is raising prices in Germany. What can I do?

The short answer

A supplier cannot raise your price overnight. It has to warn you in advance, and that notice often gives you the right to leave.

📜 The rules in Germany

Price rises

Suppliers must tell household customers about a price change at least one month before it applies (default supply: public notice and letter at least six weeks ahead). You can usually cancel without notice, effective the day before the new price.

Official source: bundesnetzagentur.de · Checked 2026-09-27

Switching supplier

Switching is free. The new supplier usually handles everything, including cancelling your old contract (with your authorisation). Since 6 June 2025 the technical electricity switch takes 24 hours on any working day, but your contract's notice periods still apply.

Official source: bundesnetzagentur.de · Checked 2026-09-27

🪜 Step by step

  1. Read the letterNote the new price, the date it starts, and whether your contract has a fixed price until a certain date.
  2. Check if it is allowedA fixed price normally cannot be raised before its end date. Compare the notice you got with the rules for Germany below.
  3. Compare and decideCheck whether another offer is cheaper. If you leave because of the increase, do it before the new price applies.
  4. Complain if the rules were brokenIf you were not informed properly, complain in writing to the supplier, then to the dispute body below.

📇 Who to contact

Schlichtungsstelle Energie e. V.Settles disputes with energy companiesWhen the company has not solved your complaint📞 030 / 27 57 240-0🔗 www.schlichtungsstelle-energie.de
Bundesnetzagentur (Verbraucherservice Energie)Supervises energy companies and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a company that breaks the rules📞 0228 14 15 16🔗 www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Vportal/Energie/start.html

❓ Questions

Can a fixed price be raised?

Normally not during the fixed period, unless your contract says so. Taxes and levies can still change.

Do I pay an exit fee if I leave after a price rise?

In many countries you can leave without a fee when the price goes up. The rules for Germany are on this page.

What if I missed the letter?

Ask the supplier for a copy and the date it was sent. If they cannot show proper notice, complain.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-09-27

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

🔄Switching supplier→🧾Wrong or high bill→💸Can’t pay the bill→🏚️Supplier went bust→📣Complaint about a supplier→

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